Prior to us visiting Scotland, Corinn and I did a lot of planning. On Corinn’s list, one of the major “things we must do while in Scotland” was to visit the Scotch Whisky Experience. She’s done this tour 13 years ago and recalled it being much fun, suggesting that I wouldn’t be disappointed. In fact, she was right. Not only was it a tour, we road in a whisky barrel for an “immersive” experience! In fact, from my point of view working in the interactive field, this tour was top notch in design, visually and mechanically (of course, if you trust my experience that is 
).
Really, really cool effect with the visuals; almost looks like rain!
To start off, a virtual, ghostly gentleman took us through the process of making a batch of whisky, something I never really understood prior to visiting Scotland. Next on the tour, we sat in a tasting room where we learned way more about the subtleties in the whisky varieties that made each distillery unique. We also discovered that where you obtained your malts and distilled your spirits actually does make a huge impact in the tastes and smells of the whiskies produced!
Almost looks like Simon Says if you ask me...
There are five main areas where distilleries are found in Scotland, however, the fifth area has not produced as much as it used to (21 distilleries in 1886, now down to 3):
- Highlands (flowery, sweat, smoky, fruity)
- Lowlands (vanilla, light, finishes dry)
- Islay (peaty as all heck, salt)
- Speyside (smoke, leather, apples, honey)
- Campbeltown (peaty, oily, salt, spice – also the antiquated area)
Hopefully this gives you a quick reference of what to expect from whiskeys produced in these areas. Sometimes the “nose” does not exactly represent the “taste”, but the experience is what a whiskey drinker looks for.
"Hmmm... Smells like peaty goodness!"
"Smells like my father's old shoe!"
Even though this was the “tasting room” we didn’t get to test a whiskey of our choice from one of 4 regions (Campbeltown was left out) until we entered the world’s largest whiskey collection, which was FRIGGIN’ HUGE! A Brazilian whiskey lover, Claive Vidiz, collected ~3,400 bottles of whiskey over 35 years, of which is now owned by the Diageo company, and it was on display in all its liquid glory!!!
HOLY SPIRITS BATMAN!!!
While in the room, we finally got to test the whiskey we picked. I tried the Islay region while Corinn tried the Lowlands. I believe Corinn coughed when she tried the Islay and made a face that clearly informed me how she really felt about the taste; I enjoyed both regions and I did notice the big difference!
"Bottoms Up!"
In the end, the tour did not at all disappoint! We left to the shop and I bought a couple bottles: Glenfarclas 21 Year and Glenmorangie Astar. These will probably last my lifetime, but will be much enjoyed. I hope to share with my good friends and family when over. 
P.S. - THANKS CORINN FOR BEING AWESOME! 